Obvious, right? But the impact of this simple habit can’t be overstated. Personally, I’ve found these three tumblers immensely handy and useful:
- Stainless Steel tumbler (20oz): This sturdy companion is my go-to during extreme weather conditions, from the scorching heat of July and August to the chilly days of December to February. This tumbler keeps beverages hot or cold for over a day, making it perfect for staying hydrated with water or enjoying tea throughout the day
- Joco for (16 oz): Perfect for drinks on the go, whether it’s a homemade tea-latte or grabbing a takeout beverage. What I love most is how easy it is to clean, allowing me to switch between drinks effortlessly while I’m out and about.
- Sigg (20 oz): Ideal for casual occasions like hitting the gym or commuting to work. The Sigg bottle holds a special place in my heart as I received it as a token of appreciation during my volunteer work at the Verbier Festival in 2023. Every time I use it, it serves as a delightful reminder of my time in the Swiss Alps. Read more about why water bottle is a must on your trip to Switzerland here.
Now, this isn’t a push for you to rush out and buy more tumblers. In fact, many of us likely have a collection of reusable containers gathering dust in our cupboards. So, consider this a gentle nudge to open those cupboards and give those forgotten bottles and tumblers a new lease on life. And if you find yourself without any, why not reach out to friends? I’ve personally passed along a few of my extras from social gatherings, and there’s always someone eager to give them a loving home.
2. Pack a handkerchief
Once I embraced the convenience of a handkerchief, there was no turning back. I always keep one tucked away in a small bag of essentials, alongside items like lip balm, hand lotion, sanitizer, a hair tie, and painkillers. It's amazing how often a handkerchief proves its worth, particularly during outdoor activities like hiking or when carrying a drink.
Who hasn't experienced the dreaded moment of spilling a drink on their shirt with no tissue in sight? Personally, I find my handkerchief most indispensable when:
- Wrapping a small bunch of grapes for a mini-picnic.
- Wiping down an apple I've hastily picked up as a snack from the grocery store.
- Creating a makeshift seat cover for impromptu moments in nature.
What's truly remarkable about handkerchiefs is their versatility. With just a bit of scrap cotton or linen fabric and some simple sewing, you can make one in no time. Several of mine are repurposed from a white cotton curtain that needed shortening.
3. Flexible vegetarian
Or flexitarian. I used to be a vegetarian for three years back in high school for environmental reasons. I quit when I realized that I had a hard time getting enough iron unless I put a lot of efforts to prepare and follow iron-rich diets. I found the right balance to stay on sustainable track on my table by setting realistic boundaries around vegetarian diet and eating meat. The recipe for me is to eat vegetarian at home, eat flexible outside. When I do grocery, I avoid meat but when I go outside to have dinner with friends, I would go for meat. This way, I don’t have the mental burden by restricting myself to stay away from meat completely.
I believe that it is better for the majority to adopt a vegetarian diet than for a few people to be perfect vegetarians. To me, flexibility is the key and I saw myself making conscious decisions because I have the room to allow myself between choices and I might as well go for a better one on purpose.
These are the three small habits that I've incorporated into my daily routine, and I'm always eager to hear about other sustainable practices that people have adopted. Whether it's reducing plastic waste, conserving energy, supporting local businesses, or any other eco-friendly habit, every small effort adds up to make a big difference. Share your sustainable habits in the comments below—I can't wait to learn from your experiences and continue our journey toward a greener future together!